Parsippany-Troy Hills, N.J.

Courtesy of the Township of Parsippanny-Troy Hills

September 19, 2014

This northern New Jersey burb is home to dozens of Fortune 500 companies including Avis, Wyndham hotels and PNY Technologies. But there’s more to Parsippany than a robust job market. It has 800 acres of preserved land, 31 recreation parks, two 18-hole golf courses and several lakes.

Though there’s no town center, a popular gathering spot is Lake Parsippany, where residents picnic and play softball. The Women’s Theater Company, a professional theater group, is based at the 99-seat Parsippany Playhouse.

Parsippany is also one of the more affordable towns in the area. Though single-family home prices range from $100,000 to $1 million, a four-bedroom, two-bath home in a desirable neighborhood can be had for $400,000 to $500,000. It’s also got a diverse population; 30% of residents are Indian or Asian.